Abstract:

A method of operating an image-based self-service check depositing
terminal having an optical character recognition (OCR) reader comprises
the steps of (a) receiving from a self-service depositor a check to be
deposited, (b) illuminating the check with infrared radiation, (c)
capturing a first image of the check while the check is illuminated with
infrared radiation, (d) processing the first check image to provide an
enhanced image of the check, and (e) applying OCR techniques to read a
magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) codeline from the enhanced
check image.

Claims:

1. A method of operating an image-based self-service check depositing
terminal having an optical character recognition (OCR) reader, the method
comprising the steps of:(a) receiving from a self-service depositor a
check to be deposited;(b) illuminating the check with infrared
radiation;(c) capturing a first image of the check while the check is
illuminated with infrared radiation;(d) processing the first check image
to provide an enhanced image of the check; and(e) applying OCR techniques
to read a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) codeline from the
enhanced check image.

2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:(f) illuminating the
check with non-infrared radiation;(g) capturing a second image of the
check while the check is illuminated with non-infrared radiation; and(h)
processing a combination of the first and second check images to provide
the enhanced check image.

4. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:(f) accepting the
check for deposit when a MICR codeline is able to be read from the
enhanced check image; and(g) rejecting the check for deposit when a MICR
codeline is unable to be read from the enhanced check image.

5. A method of operating an image-based check depositing automated teller
machine (ATM) having an optical character recognition (OCR) reader, the
method comprising the steps of:receiving from an ATM customer a check to
be deposited;illuminating the check with infrared radiation;capturing a
first image of the check while the check is illuminated with infrared
radiation;illuminating the check with radiation from at least one red
light emitting diode;capturing a second image of the check while the
check is illuminated with radiation from the at least one red light
emitting diode;illuminating the check with radiation from at least one
green light emitting diode;capturing a third image of the check while the
check is illuminated with radiation from the at least one green light
emitting diode;illuminating the check with radiation from at least one
blue light emitting diode;capturing a fourth image of the check while the
check is illuminated with radiation from the at least one blue light
emitting diode;processing a combination of the first, second, third, and
fourth check images to provide an enhanced image of the check;applying
OCR techniques to read a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR)
codeline from the enhanced check image;accepting the check for deposit
when a MICR codeline is able to be read from the enhanced check image;
andrejecting the check for deposit when a MICR codeline is unable to be
read from the enhanced check image.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the step of processing includes
the sub-step of selectively filtering the first, second, third, and
fourth check images.

7. An apparatus for use in an image-based self-service check depositing
terminal, the apparatus comprising:a check acceptor for receiving from a
self-service depositor a check to be deposited;a radiation emitting
device including (i) an energizeable infrared radiation source, (ii) an
energizeable red light radiation source, (iii) an energizeable green
light radiation source, and (iv) an energizeable blue light radiation
source;an image lift device for lifting an image of a check as the check
passes by the image lift device;an optical character recognition (OCR)
reader for reading a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) codeline
from a check image; anda processor for (i) controlling the check acceptor
to transport the check to the image lift device, (ii) controlling the
radiation emitting device to energize each radiation source at a
different time after the check has been transported to the image lift
device, (iii) controlling the image lift device to lift a first check
image when the infrared radiation source is energized, a second check
image when the red light radiation source is energized, a third check
image when the green light radiation source is energized, and a fourth
check image when the blue light radiation source is energized, (iv)
processing a combination of the first, second, third, and fourth check
images to provide an enhanced check image, (v) controlling the OCR reader
to read a MICR codeline from the enhanced check image, (vi) controlling
the check acceptor to accept the check when the OCR reader is able to
read a MICR codeline from the enhanced check image, and (vii) controlling
the check acceptor to reject the check when the OCR reader is unable to
read a MICR codeline from the enhanced check image.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the energizeable red light
radiation source comprises a number of red light emitting diodes, the
energizeable green light radiation source comprises a number of green
light emitting diodes, and the energizeable blue light radiation source
comprises a number of blue light emitting diodes.

9. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein processing the combination
of the first, second, third, and fourth check images includes selectively
filtering the first, second, third, and fourth check images to provide
the enhanced check image.

Description:

BACKGROUND

[0001]The present invention relates to depositing of checks, and is
particularly directed to methods of operating an image-based self-service
check depositing terminal, such as an image-based check depositing
automated teller machine (ATM), to provide enhanced check images and an
apparatus therefor.

[0002]In a typical check depositing ATM, an ATM customer is allowed to
deposit a check (without having to place the check in any deposit
envelope) in a publicly accessible, unattended environment. To deposit a
check, the ATM customer inserts a user identification card through a user
card slot at the ATM, enters the amount of the check being deposited, and
inserts the check to be deposited through a check slot of a check
acceptor. A check transport mechanism receives the inserted check and
transports the check in a forward direction along a check transport path
to a number of locations within the ATM to process the check.

[0003]If the check is not accepted for deposit, the check transport
mechanism transports the check in a reverse direction along the check
transport path to return the check to the ATM customer via the check
slot. If the check is accepted for deposit, the amount of the check is
deposited into the ATM customer's account and the check is transported to
a storage bin within the ATM. An endorser printer prints an endorsement
onto the check as the check is being transported to and stored in the
storage bin. Checks in the storage bin within the ATM are periodically
picked up and physically transported via courier to a back office
facility of a financial institution for further processing.

[0004]The check acceptor typically includes a magnetic ink character
recognition (MICR) reader having a MICR read-head which requires the
check to be inserted into the check slot in a single face-up, MICR
codeline to the right orientation. If the check was to be inserted into
the check slot in one of the three other orientations, then the check
would usually be returned to the ATM customer so that the ATM customer
can re-insert the check into the check slot in the proper orientation.
This may lead to customer confusion and dissatisfaction with the ATM
check deposit experience.

[0005]One possible solution is to install additional MICR read-heads for
the other three possible orientations of the check. However, this
solution adds both complexity and cost to the check acceptor. The added
complexity also reduces overall reliability of the check acceptor.
Another possible solution is to apply known optical character recognition
(OCR) techniques to optically read the MICR codeline characters contained
in lifted check images. This solution requires the MICR codeline to be
isolated from all background printing in order to achieve acceptable read
rates. However, most checks today have scenic backgrounds which make it
rather difficult to isolate the MICR codeline from the background
printing. Moreover, handwritten signatures and memo lines which extend
into the MICR codeline of the check also make it difficult to achieve
acceptable read rates using OCR techniques. It would be desirable to
provide methods of operating the check depositing ATM such that the ATM
customer can insert a check into the slot in any orientation and such
that complexity and cost associated with operating the ATM are relatively
low.

SUMMARY

[0006]In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method
of operating an image-based self-service check depositing terminal having
an optical character recognition (OCR) reader comprises the steps of (a)
receiving from a self-service depositor a check to be deposited, (b)
illuminating the check with infrared radiation, (c) capturing a first
image of the check while the check is illuminated with infrared
radiation, (d) processing the first check image to provide an enhanced
image of the check, and (e) applying OCR techniques to read a magnetic
ink character recognition (MICR) codeline from the enhanced check image.

[0009]FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram, looking approximately in
the direction of arrow X in FIG. 1, of a check processing module of the
ATM of FIG. 1;

[0010]FIG. 3 is a detailed schematic view of a portion (an imager) of FIG.
2;

[0011]FIG. 4 is a view of an original check received from an ATM customer
at the ATM of FIG. 1;

[0012]FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating steps involved in a check
depositing operation in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention; and

[0013]FIG. 6 is a view of an enhanced image of the original check of FIG.
4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014]Referring to FIG. 1, a self-service check depositing terminal in the
form of an image-based check depositing automated teller machine (ATM) 10
is illustrated. The check depositing ATM 10 comprises a fascia 12 coupled
to a chassis (not shown). The fascia 12 defines an aperture 16 through
which a camera (not shown) images a customer of the ATM 10. The fascia 12
also defines a number of slots for receiving and dispensing media items,
and a tray 40 into which coins can be dispensed. The slots include a
statement output slot 42, a receipt slot 44, a card reader slot 46, a
cash slot 48, another cash slot 50, and a check input/output slot 52. The
slots 42 to 52 and tray 40 are arranged such that the slots and tray
align with corresponding ATM modules mounted within the chassis of the
ATM 10.

[0015]The fascia 12 provides a user interface for allowing an ATM customer
to execute a transaction. The fascia 12 includes an encrypting keyboard
34 for allowing an ATM customer to enter transaction details. A display
36 is provided for presenting screens to an ATM customer. A fingerprint
reader 38 is provided for reading a fingerprint of an ATM customer to
identify the ATM customer. The user interface features described above
are all provided on an NCR PERSONAS (trademark) 6676 ATM, available from
NCR Financial Solutions Group Limited, Discovery Centre, 3 Fulton Road,
Dundee, DD2 4SW, Scotland.

[0016]A check processing module (CPM) 60 will now be described with
reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram (looking
approximately in the direction of arrow X in FIG. 1) of part of the
fascia 12 and main parts of the CPM 60. The CPM 60 is a modified version
of a conventional check processing module, such as a check processing
module which can be used in the PERSONAS (trademark) 6676 NCR ATM.

[0017]The CPM 60 comprises four main units which includes an infeed module
62, a transport module 64, a pocket module 66, and an escrow re-bunch
module (ERBM) 68. The infeed module 62 receives a check which has been
deposited into the check input/output slot 52, and transports the check
to an inlet of the transport module 64. The dimensions of the infeed
module 62, such as its run length, may vary depending upon the particular
model ATM the CPM 60 is installed. The structure and operation of the
infeed module 62 are conventional and well known and, therefore, will not
be described.

[0018]The transport module 64 includes a check input/output transport
mechanism which receives a check from the inlet adjacent to the infeed
module 62, and transports the check along a main document track portion
65a. The transport module 64 includes a diverter mechanism which is
operable to divert the check along either a first document track portion
65b to the pocket module 66 or a second document track portion 65c to the
ERBM 68. A return document track portion 65d interconnects the ERBM 68
and the infeed module 62 to allow a bunch of checks which has accumulated
in the ERBM 68 to be transported back to the infeed module 62.

[0019]The transport module 64 further includes a magnetic ink character
recognition (MICR) head 72 for reading magnetic details on a code line of
a check. The transport module 64 also includes an imager 74 including a
front imager 74a and a rear imager 74b for capturing an image of each
side of a check (front and rear). As shown in more detail in FIG. 3, the
front imager 74a includes a front imaging camera 80, an infrared
radiation source 81, a red light radiation source, 82, a green light
radiation source 83, and a blue light radiation source 84. Similarly, the
rear imager 74b includes a rear imaging camera 85, an infrared radiation
source 86, a red light radiation source, 87, a green light radiation
source 88, and a blue light radiation source 89. Each of the red light
radiation sources 82, 87 may comprise red light emitting diodes (LEDs).
Each of the green light radiation sources 83, 88 may comprise green LEDs.
Each of the blue light radiation sources 84, 89 may comprise blue LEDs.

[0020]Referring again to FIG. 2, an optical character recognition (OCR)
reader 71 is provided for optically reading characters from check images
lifted by the imager 74. Although the OCR reader 71 shown in FIG. 2 is in
the form of hardware, it is conceivable that OCR functionality may be
provided in the form of software. Accordingly, the OCR functionality
described herein may be in the form of either hardware or software. An
endorser printer 73 is provided for printing endorsements onto checks. An
image data memory 75 is provided for storing images of checks. A
controller 76 is provided for controlling the operation of the elements
within the CPM 60.

[0021]The pocket module 66 includes a storage bin 78 for storing processed
checks. The pocket module 66 further includes a reject bin 79 for storing
rejected checks. Two divert gates 77a, 77b are provided for diverting
checks to either the storage bin 78 or the reject bin 79. The structure
and operation of the pocket module 66 are conventional and well known
and, therefore, will not be described.

[0022]The CPM 60 may be of a type which processes a bunch of checks or
only one check at a time. This type of processing is sometimes referred
to as "multiple-check processing". If the CPM 60 is of the type which can
process a bunch of checks, then an escrow module (such as the ERBM 68
shown in FIG. 2) is needed. The ERBM 68 is manufactured and available
from Glory Products, located in Himeji, Japan. The ERBM 68 allows a bunch
of checks (i.e., more than one check) to be processed in a single
transaction. If a bunch of checks has accumulated in the ERBM 68 and is
unable to be processed further within the CPM 60, then the bunch of
checks is transported via the return document track portion 65d back to
the infeed module 62 to return the bunch of checks to the ATM customer.

[0023]However, if the CPM 60 is of the type which can process only a
single check, then the ERBM 68 is not needed. Once a check is received
for processing, the check must be deposited into a bin (i.e., either the
storage bin 78 or the reject bin 79) before another check can be received
for processing. This type of processing is sometimes referred to as
"single-check processing". For simplicity, the following description will
describe only a single check being processed, even though the CPM 60
shown in FIG. 2 includes an ERBM 68 which is capable of processing a
bunch of checks.

[0024]Referring to FIG. 4, an example of an original physical check to be
deposited by the ATM customer is shown, and is designated with reference
numeral "90". The check 90 includes a number of pre-printed fields
including a pre-printed MICR codeline 92. In this example check, the
pre-printed fields including the pre-printed MICR codeline 92 are printed
using magnetic ink. The check 90 also has background printing in the form
of a map outline 93 of the continental United States. It should be noted
that a portion of the map outline 93 overlaps a portion of the MICR
codeline 92 in a check portion 94 shown in FIG. 4.

[0025]The check 90 also has a number of handwritten fields provided by a
check payor (who is "Guy A. Snyder" in this example check). The
handwritten fields include a signature 96 of the check payor. It should
be noted that a portion of the check payor's signature 96 overlaps a
portion of the MICR codeline 92 in a check portion 98 shown in FIG. 4.

[0026]Referring to FIG. 5, a flowchart 100 illustrates steps involved in a
check depositing transaction in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. In the check depositing transaction, the ATM customer
inserts a customer identification card into the card reader slot 46 and
enters identifying data, like a personal identification number (PIN) to
start the transaction (steps 102 and 104). The ATM customer is presented
with a screen on the display 36 to select a transaction from a list of
transaction options, and selects the "check depositing" option (step
106). The ATM customer also selects an account into which the deposit is
to be made (step 108).

[0027]The ATM customer is then presented with a screen to enter the amount
of the check 90 via the keyboard 34, and to insert the check to be
deposited through the check input/output slot 52 (step 110). The ATM
customer inserts the check 90 (step 112), and enters the amount of the
check (step 114). The controller 76 receives the amount of the check 90.
The infeed module 62 receives the check 90 and transports the check to
the inlet of the transport module 64. The transport mechanism of the
transport module 64 receives the check 90 and transports the check (step
116) to the MICR head 72 where the MICR codeline on the check is read
(step 118).

[0028]The transport mechanism of the transport module 64 then transports
the check 90 to the imager 74, where both sides of the check are imaged.
For simplicity, imaging of only the front of the check 90 will be
described in the remainder of the flowchart 100. More specifically, the
check 90 is illuminated with only infrared radiation from the infrared
radiation source 81 when the check is transported to the imager 74 (step
120). An infrared check image portion is captured as the check 90 is
illuminated with only the infrared radiation (step 122).

[0029]The check 90 is then illuminated with only the red radiation from
the red radiation source 82 (step 124). A red check image portion is
captured as the check 90 is illuminated with only the red radiation (step
126). Then the check 90 is illuminated with only the green radiation from
the green radiation source 83 (step 128). A green check image portion is
captured as the check 90 is illuminated with only the green radiation
(step 130). Similarly, the check 90 is then illuminated with only blue
radiation from the blue radiation source 84 (step 132). A blue check
image portion is captured as the check 90 is illuminated with only the
blue radiation (step 134).

[0030]A determination is then made in step 136 as to whether the entire
check has been imaged. If the determination in step 136 is negative
(i.e., the entire check has not yet been imaged), then the process
returns back to step 120 and repeats capturing additional check image
portions of the check in the manner just described hereinabove until the
entire check has been imaged. If the determination in step 136 is
affirmative (i.e., the entire check has been imaged), then the process
continues to step 138.

[0031]After all check image portions are captured, corresponding check
images are formed. More specifically, all of the infrared check image
portions captured back in step 122 are combined to provide an infrared
check image (step 138). All of the red check image portions captured back
in step 126 are combined to provide a red check image (step 139). All of
the green check image portions captured back in step 130 are combined to
provide a green check image (step 140). All of the blue check image
portions captured back in step 134 are combined to provide a blue check
image (step 141).

[0032]It should be apparent from the above description that the infrared,
red, green, and blue check image portions are captured in parallel using
a multiplexing scheme. Accordingly, the infrared, red, green, and blue
check image portions are interleaved and are all captured during one pass
of the check in front of the imager 74. It should also be apparent that
each of the infrared, red, green, and blue check images is formed from
its corresponding check image portions which have been captured during
the one pass of the check in front of the imager 74.

[0034]The endorser printer 73 prints endorsement data onto the physical
check 90 of FIG. 4 (step 152). The endorsed check is then transported
along the document track portion 65a to the storage bin 78 of the pocket
module 66 (step 154) for subsequent collection and further processing.
The captured check images (i.e., the infrared, red, green, and blue check
images) are stored in the image data memory 75 (step 156). The check
images may be stored locally to the ATM 10. For example, the check images
may be stored on an ATM hard drive located within the ATM 10 for a period
of time determined by the financial institution. The process then
terminates.

[0035]Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the map outline 93a in the check portion
94a in the enhanced check image 90a of FIG. 6 is faint as compared to the
map outline 93 in the check portion 94 in the check of FIG. 4. Also, the
check payor signature 96a in the check portion 98a in the enhanced check
image 90a of FIG. 6 is faint as compared to the check payor signature 96
in the check portion 98 in the check of FIG. 4. However, the MICR
codeline 92a in the enhanced check image 90a of FIG. 6 appears as sharp
as the MICR codeline 92 in the check of FIG. 4. Accordingly, the MICR
codeline 92a shown in FIG. 6 is easier to read than the MICR codeline
shown in FIG. 4.

[0036]The MICR codeline 92a shown in FIG. 6 is easier to read than the
MICR codeline shown in FIG. 4 because of the use of the infrared
radiation source 81 to illuminate the check 90 before the first check
image was captured back in steps 120 and 122 of FIG. 5, as will be
explained in more detail hereinbelow. It should be noted that while the
physical check 90 shown in FIG. 4 is not a check image, it is a fair
representation of what a lifted check image would look like if a
non-infrared radiation source (i.e., the source contains no infrared
radiation) was used to illuminate the check before lifting the check
image. An example of such a non-infrared radiation source comprises a
combination of red LEDs, green LEDs, and blue LEDs illuminating the check
as the check image is being lifted.

[0037]It should be apparent that OCR read rates (as performed in step 150
of FIG. 5) associated with reading MICR codelines from enhanced check
images (such as shown in FIG. 6) are improved. The OCR read rates are
improved because all printing that is not carbon black (such as
background printing and handwriting shown on the original check 90 of
FIG. 4) on checks are "removed" (as shown in the enhanced check image of
FIG. 6) when infrared radiation illuminates the check and the check image
is lifted. Since inks used in the printing of MICR codelines contain high
levels of carbon black, the MICR codeline remains when the check is
illuminated by infrared radiation and the check image is lifted.

[0038]It should also be apparent that a method and apparatus are provided
for a self-service check depositor to insert a check in any orientation
into a self-service check depositing terminal, such as a check depositing
ATM. By allowing the check depositor to insert the check in any
orientation into the self-service check depositing terminal, the check
depositor is provided with a more positive experience in having conducted
a self-service check depositing transaction. The check depositor should
experience less confusion and more satisfaction with having conducted the
self-service check depositing transaction.

[0039]Although the above description describes the PERSONAS (trademark)
6676 NCR ATM embodying the present invention, it is conceivable that
other models of ATMs, other types of ATMs, or other types of self-service
check depositing terminals may embody the present invention. Self-service
depositing terminals are generally public-access devices that are
designed to allow a user to conduct a check deposit transaction in an
unassisted manner and/or in an unattended environment. Self-service check
depositing terminals typically include some form of tamper resistance so
that they are inherently resilient.

[0040]Also, although the above description describes the self-service
check depositing terminal 10 which has the MICR codeline reader 72, it is
conceivable the present invention may be embodied in a self-service check
depositing terminal which does not have a MICR codeline reader. Moreover,
it is conceivable that the self-service check depositing terminal 10 may
contain more than one MICR reader. Further, although the MICR reader 72
shown in FIG. 2 is located along the main document track portion 65a
before the imager 74, it is conceivable that the MICR reader be located
instead after the imager.

[0041]Further, although the above description describes the CPM 60 which
has the ERBM 68, it is conceivable that the present invention may be
embodied in a CPM which does not have an ERBM.

[0042]Further, although the above description describes the amount of each
check being entered by the check depositor, it is conceivable that
software which is capable of automatically reading the amount of each
check be provided to accomplish this function.

[0043]The particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative
only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention. From the above
description, those skilled in the art to which the present invention
relates will perceive improvements, changes and modifications. Numerous
substitutions and modifications can be undertaken without departing from
the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such improvements, changes
and modifications within the skill of the art to which the present
invention relates are intended to be covered by the appended claims.